After weeks of uncertainty and legal disputes, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Friday its commitment to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap), ensuring food benefits for over 42 million Americans. This decision comes amidst the longest government shutdown in US history, now in its 38th day. The funding for Snap, commonly known as food stamps, had been a contentious issue, with a judge previously mandating the Trump administration to utilize contingency funds to support the program. However, these funds were insufficient to cover the program’s nearly $9 billion monthly cost. On Thursday, another judge ruled that the administration must fully fund Snap, leading to the USDA’s confirmation of full funding. Judge John McConnell accused the administration of withholding food aid for political reasons, highlighting the immediate risk of hunger for 16 million children without the program. Despite the administration’s legal challenge to this ruling, the USDA’s agreement to pay full Snap benefits suggests a resolution to this critical issue. President Trump has repeatedly linked Snap funding to the end of the government shutdown, emphasizing its use in Democrat states. Snap, which costs approximately $8 billion per month, provides reloadable debit cards to low-income Americans, enabling them to purchase groceries. On average, a family of four receives $715 per month, equating to less than $6 per day per person. While individual states administer the benefits, the program relies on federal funding, which has been suspended since the government shutdown began on October 1.
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DNA pioneer James Watson dies at 97
James Watson, the Nobel Prize-winning American scientist renowned for co-discovering the double-helix structure of DNA, has passed away at the age of 97. His groundbreaking work in 1953, alongside Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins, revolutionized molecular biology by unveiling the mechanism of DNA replication and genetic information transmission. This discovery earned them the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962. However, Watson’s legacy is marred by controversial remarks on race and intelligence, which led to his ostracization from the scientific community and the revocation of his honorary titles in 2019. In a 2007 interview, Watson expressed pessimistic views about Africa’s prospects, linking intelligence to race, which resulted in his dismissal as chancellor of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. His 2019 reiteration of such views prompted the lab to strip him of his emeritus titles. Despite his scientific contributions, Watson’s later years were overshadowed by these controversies. He sold his Nobel Prize medal in 2014 for $4.8 million, citing his alienation from the scientific community. Watson’s death was confirmed by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where he conducted decades of research.
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In Pictures: The race to discover the secrets of DNA
The discovery of the double helix structure of DNA stands as one of the most pivotal achievements in scientific history. This groundbreaking revelation was the result of a fierce yet collegial competition between two teams of researchers in the early 1950s. At the University of Cambridge, American biologist James Watson and English physicist Francis Crick collaborated to construct scale models of DNA, aiming to decipher its structure. Simultaneously, at King’s College London, Maurice Wilkins and Rosalind Franklin were employing X-ray crystallography to unlock the molecule’s secrets. Franklin’s work, particularly her iconic ‘Photo 51,’ provided crucial insights into DNA’s helical shape. However, her contributions were overshadowed when Wilkins shared her findings with Watson and Crick without her consent. This act has sparked enduring debates about scientific ethics and recognition. In 1953, Watson and Crick published their seminal paper in ‘Nature,’ proposing the double helix model, which revolutionized biology. Despite their monumental achievement, the role of Rosalind Franklin remains a contentious topic. Watson, Crick, and Wilkins were awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1962, but Franklin, who had tragically passed away in 1958, was not honored. Her untimely death at 37 robbed her of the recognition she deserved. Today, the double helix model remains a cornerstone of modern science, underscoring the collaborative yet competitive nature of scientific discovery.
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James Watson: Controversial discoverer of ‘the secret of life’
In February 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick made a groundbreaking announcement in a Cambridge pub: they had discovered the structure of DNA, a revelation they boldly termed ‘the secret of life.’ This discovery, which revealed the double-helix shape of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), revolutionized biology and earned them the 1962 Nobel Prize in Medicine. Their work not only unlocked the mechanisms of heredity but also ignited decades of genetic research and ethical debates, from human cloning to genetically modified organisms. However, Watson’s legacy is a complex tapestry of scientific brilliance and contentious public statements. Over the years, he sparked outrage with controversial remarks on race, intelligence, and eugenics, leading to widespread criticism and the loss of honorary titles. Despite these controversies, Watson’s contributions to science remain unparalleled, cementing his place as a pivotal figure in modern genetics. His life story, from a curious boy in Chicago to a Nobel laureate, is a testament to the power of scientific inquiry and the challenges of navigating its societal implications.
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Restaurant Review: XU at Kempinski is a hidden gem for Asian cuisine
Nestled within the Kempinski Hotel at Mall of the Emirates, XU is a sophisticated Chinese restaurant that has garnered numerous accolades for its exceptional dining experience. Despite its awards, it remains a relatively undiscovered treasure for many. The restaurant’s ambiance is a harmonious blend of New York’s Chinatown and a Hong Kong rooftop, with jade-toned walls, neon lights, and intimate seating arrangements that create a sense of exclusivity. The chef’s menu is both inventive and authentic, offering a journey through Chinese culinary classics with a modern twist. The meal begins with a lobster hot and sour soup, rich in spice and flavor, followed by a selection of small starters, including sesame and peanut-dressed cucumber, black pepper wagyu puff, and pan-fried scallop dumplings. The standout dish is the caviar prawn toast, which features puffed rice, a butterflied prawn, and fresh caviar. For mains, the wok-fried tiger prawns deliver a spicy kick, served over crispy rice noodles. The meal is complemented by a series of beautifully balanced beverages with floral and citrus notes. Beyond the food, XU delights all the senses with its ambient lighting, subtle soundtrack, and fragrant aromas. The service is impeccable, with staff who are kind, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout the dining experience.
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Watch: ‘This is not good’ – Airline travellers react to flight reductions
As the federal government shutdown continues, airports across the United States are facing significant challenges due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. This staffing crisis has led to widespread flight reductions, leaving travelers frustrated and concerned. ‘This is not good,’ remarked one passenger, echoing the sentiments of many who are experiencing delays and cancellations. The situation highlights the broader impact of the shutdown on critical infrastructure and public services. Airlines are scrambling to adjust schedules, but the uncertainty surrounding the shutdown’s duration leaves both carriers and passengers in limbo. Industry experts warn that prolonged disruptions could have lasting effects on the aviation sector and the economy at large.
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What does Elon Musk do with all his money?
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, made history in October by becoming the first person to achieve a net worth exceeding $500 billion. Despite this astronomical wealth, Musk has consistently maintained a surprisingly modest lifestyle. In 2021, he revealed that he resides in a $50,000 prefabricated home in Texas, near SpaceX’s Starbase facility. His former partner, Grimes, echoed this sentiment in a 2022 interview with Vanity Fair, stating that Musk often lives “below the poverty line” and once refused to replace a mattress with a hole in it. However, Musk’s frugality in daily life contrasts sharply with his penchant for extravagant purchases, such as his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter in 2022 and his collection of unique vehicles, including a James Bond-inspired Lotus Esprit submarine car. Musk’s real estate journey has been equally intriguing. After amassing a $100 million portfolio of seven Bel-Air properties, he announced in 2020 that he would sell nearly all his physical possessions to focus on his Mars and Earth endeavors. He retained one exception: the former home of actor Gene Wilder, which he later reclaimed in 2025 after the buyer defaulted on payments. Musk’s philanthropic efforts have also drawn attention. While he has donated billions to various causes, critics argue that his charity work is often self-serving, with significant tax benefits and donations to organizations linked to his businesses. Musk defends his ventures as inherently philanthropic, claiming that Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink are advancing humanity’s progress. Despite his immense wealth, Musk’s lifestyle remains unconventional, often rotating through friends’ spare bedrooms during his travels.
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Sanjay Khan’s wife and Sussanne-Zayed’s mother, Zarine Khan passes away
Zarine Khan, the beloved wife of veteran actor-director Sanjay Khan and mother to Bollywood personalities Zayed Khan and Sussanne Khan, has passed away. The news of her demise has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with close friends and family gathering to pay their respects. Her final rites are scheduled for Friday at 4 pm at the Juhu crematorium in Mumbai, followed by a prayer meet on Monday at JW Marriott, Mumbai.
Zarine Khan, a pillar of strength and love, leaves behind a legacy of family unity and enduring relationships. She is survived by her husband, Sanjay Khan, and their four children: Zayed Khan, Sussanne Khan, Farah Khan Ali, and Simone Arora. Earlier this year, Zarine and Sanjay celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary, a testament to their unwavering bond. Their daughter, Farah Khan Ali, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, highlighting the love and resilience that defined their marriage and family life.
As the Khan family mourns this profound loss, details surrounding the cause of Zarine’s passing remain undisclosed. Her life, marked by love, laughter, and an unbreakable family spirit, will continue to inspire those who knew her and the countless admirers of the Khan family legacy.
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Gunshots end months-long Canadian ostrich cull saga that captivated RFK Jr
The culling of over 300 ostriches in British Columbia has ignited a heated debate, drawing attention from across Canada and beyond. The birds, owned by Universal Ostrich Farms, were ordered to be euthanized after two tested positive for avian flu (H5N1) following an outbreak that claimed 69 birds. Despite a months-long legal battle that reached the Supreme Court of Canada, the farm owners were unable to overturn the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) decision. The court dismissed the case on Thursday, allowing the cull to proceed. The decision has been met with widespread protest, with supporters including American grocery billionaire John Catsimatidis, US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr., and celebrity doctor Dr. Mehmet Oz, who even offered to adopt the birds. The farm’s co-owner, Katie Pasitney, expressed her devastation in a tearful video, stating, ‘Shame on you Canada. The world is watching.’ The ostriches had become a political symbol, with critics accusing the Canadian government of overreach. The case has also highlighted tensions in the small town of Edgewood, where the farm is located, with local businesses reporting disruptions caused by protesters. The CFIA defended its decision, emphasizing the need to protect public health and Canada’s poultry industry. Meanwhile, Kennedy and others have argued for studying the birds for potential immunity to avian flu, rather than culling them. The saga has underscored the complexities of balancing public health measures with ethical and legal concerns.
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Kim Kardashian laughs off savage reviews for her TV drama
Kim Kardashian has taken a bold stance against critics of her latest legal drama, ‘All’s Fair,’ by showcasing fan reactions on social media. The Disney+ series, in which Kardashian portrays top divorce lawyer Allura Grant, has been met with scathing reviews from major publications. The Guardian described it as ‘so awful, it feels almost contemptuous,’ while The Times labeled it ‘the worst TV drama ever.’ Despite this, Kardashian humorously promoted the show to her 354 million Instagram followers, calling it ‘the most critically acclaimed show of the year.’ The series currently holds a dismal 5% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, though it fares better with audiences at 66%. Kardashian shared fan comments, including one that joked critics’ negative reviews inadvertently drove viewership. The show boasts a star-studded cast, including Sarah Paulson, Naomi Watts, Glenn Close, Niecy Nash, and Teyana Taylor. One fan quipped, ‘Does a show need to be good? The answer is no.’ Another praised the ‘legendary actresses’ for their ‘worst performances,’ calling it ‘amazeballs.’ This marks Kardashian’s second acting role after her well-received appearance in ‘American Horror Story.’ ‘All’s Fair’ reunites her with showrunner Ryan Murphy, known for hits like ‘Glee’ and ‘Pose.’ Critics have torn the show apart, with The Huffington Post calling it a ‘boring dud’ and Variety labeling it a ‘clumsy take on girlboss feminism.’ However, Kardashian remains undeterred, sharing Disney Hulu data confirming the show as the most-watched title on Disney+ globally, ranking first in 28 countries, including the US.